I thought I would share a new #Holiday with you that falls on September 11th National Hot Cross Bun Day. I don’t know about you but my family hasn’t ever had a Hot Cross Bun. Have you? I thought we might make Hot Cross Buns for dinner this evening.
Though there’s a day dedicated to Hot Cross Buns these Buns are delicious any day of the year. Did you know a Hot Cross Bun is made from Yeast Dough? Hot Cross Buns are usually a bit sweet. Some Hot Cross Buns may even contain spices including Cinnamon along with Raisins, Currants, or other dried fruits.
Most people prefer having a Hot Cross Bun for breakfast accompanied with a cup of Coffee or a glass of Milk with Butter on the Hot Cross Bus which make filling breakfast food.
Join my family on September 11th and let’s celebrate National Hot Cross Bun Day, which is a delicious opportunity to turn a homeschool lesson into a flavorful blend of history, baking, and cultural exploration. Here’s a ready-to-go lesson plan that’s both educational and fun:
National Hot Cross Bun Day Homeschool Lesson
History & Culture
- Origin Story: Hot cross buns date back to the 13th Century when an Anglican Monk marked his Buns with a cross to honor Good Friday.
- Elizabethan Law: Queen Elizabeth I once restricted Hot Cross Buns sales to specific religious occasions.
- Folklore Fun: Some people believed Buns baked on Good Friday wouldn’t spoil, could ward off evil, or protect sailors from shipwrecks. Do you think that is true and why?
Activity: Create a timeline of Hot Cross Bun history. Include key dates like the 6th Century origins and Elizabethan laws.
Science & Baking
- Yeast Reaction: Discuss how Yeast causes Dough to rise.
- Spices & Chemistry: Explore how Cinnamon and Nutmeg affect flavor and preservation.
Activity: Bake Hot Cross Buns with your friends and family and use a traditional recipe or try Chef John’s recipe for Hot Cross Buns. Observe how the Dough rises and how the cross is formed.
Symbolism & Religion
- Christian Symbolism: The cross represents the crucifixion, and the Buns were traditionally eaten at the end of Lent.
- Modern Meaning: Today, Hot Cross Buns are enjoyed year-round and symbolize friendship and sharing.
Discussion Prompt: What foods do we eat today that carry symbolic meaning? (e.g., Birthday Cake, Thanksgiving Turkey) and so on.
Language Arts
- Nursery Rhyme: Learn the classic rhyme: Hot Cross Buns: Code
Hot cross buns! Hot Cross Buns! One a penny, two a penny, Hot Cross Buns! If you have no daughters, give them to your sons! One a penny, two a penny, Hot Cross Buns!
Activity: Write your own food-themed rhyme or poem. Bonus: perform your creation with a beat!
Art & Creativity
- Design Challenge: Decorate paper Buns with different cross styles—Icing, Dough, or symbolic patterns.
- Kitchen Decor: Hang a “protective” Bun in the kitchen like old folklore suggests.
Recipe for Hot Cross Buns:
Ingredients
- 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
- 2 cups warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons water
- ICING:
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 4 to 6 teaspoons whole milk
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine eggs, butter, sugar, salt, spices, yeast mixture and 3 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in currants, raisins and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
- Turn onto a floured surface; knead until dough is smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide and shape into 30 balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until doubled, 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each bun. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk and water; brush over tops. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool slightly.
- For icing, in a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Pipe a cross on top of each bun. Serve warm.
Now, I have a question for you. Would you like me to turn this Lesson Plan into a printable worksheet or add a quiz to wrap it all up?
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
